19 Agosto 2010

This week I have returned to Lima and we have begun all of the formalities of finalization.

Reports, interviews, presentations, tests. ug

Today we also prepared a little celebration for the host families in appreciation. This was kind of a rough day in the end. Some volunteers have gotten very close to their host familys, mysefl included. They have really taken care of me, and I think I have become a little happy meal sized member of the family.

They have taught me so much of the Peruvian way and language. They are so patient with me and so giving. I have definitely learned more language by living with them than I learned in the curriculum based language classes.

We had language exchanges, recipe exchanges, help exchanges, and in the end, gift giving. I printed out photos of us all together for them in a frame, and had brought back the ladies earrings from Piura, and nice toffees from Arequipa. My host sister gave me a pair of heels that you can see me wearing in the picture because she said I needed them (yup, I didn't pack them, who would have thought I would need heels in Peace Corps) apparently heels are the way to get respect in government meetings, flats just don't cut it in Peru. My house mom and dad told me I needed warmer PJs for the cold nights in Arequipa. I agreed, but didn't get around to purchasing any. They of course surprised me with some VERY nice pajamas the night they all sat in my room and watched me pack my things. They took such good care of me. They taught me how to get around safely, and happily. We love each other in a way I never expected, and I know I have a South American family for the rest of my life, and they an American one. So if I call you some day and ask if my Peruvian sister can bum at your house while she travels The States, I beg of you to open your house to her as she has opened her family and heart to me.

The photo below is of libby´s host family´s kids. We became very close during my time in Lima.